The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nongovernmental organization that responds to the worldwide quest for popular civic participation, open and competitive political systems, and representative and accountable government.
Since its founding in 1983, NDI and its local partners have worked to establish and strengthen democratic institutions and practices by building political and civic organizations, safeguarding elections, and promoting citizen participation, openness and accountability in government. With staff members and volunteer political practitioners from more than 100 nations, NDI brings together individuals and groups to share ideas, knowledge, experiences and expertise. Partners receive broad exposure to best practices in international democratic development that can be adapted to the needs of their own countries. NDI’s multinational approach reinforces the message that while there is no single democratic model, certain core principles are shared by all democracies.
The Institute’s work upholds the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It also promotes the development of institutionalized channels of communications among citizens, political institutions and elected officials, and strengthens their ability to improve the quality of life for all citizens.
“Democracy is never a final achievement. It is a call to an untiring effort.”
—John F. Kennedy
Reports From Around the World
NDI’s story is best told through its programs and accomplishments in the 79 countries where it works. The Institute puts a priority on long-term institution building, which is central to achieving democratic governance, stability and prosperity. Here are some examples:
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NDI’s Civic Forum program has helped more than 200,000 Haitians learn about their rights and responsibilities as citizens. They have formed more than 180 community action groups to improve life in local communities. Working with elected officials, the committees have built health clinics, schools and roads; worked on reforestation and watershed soil conservation projects; increased access to clean water; and planted community gardens. Similar Civic Forum programs, underway in several countries with extreme poverty or that are emerging from conflict, promote reconciliation and show how participation in the democratic process can improve standards of living.
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In Chocó, Colombia, a majority Afro-Colombian state, democracy has been undermined by years of poverty, violence, illiteracy, corruption and neglect. NDI is working to build democratic governance by helping Chocoans to organize politically and hold elected officials accountable. For October 2007 municipal elections, NDI worked with 10 political parties to combat vote buying, organize candidate debates, and train poll watchers. After the election, NDI helped citizens present policy options to the governor-elect. After taking office, he asked them to participate in the region’s development plans.
